$Unique_ID{BRK01196}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{How Can They Replace the Hip Joint?}
$Subject{hip replacement surgery musculoskeletal joint total arthroplasty femur
thigh bone pelvic acetabulum hips joints femurs thighs pelvis replacements}
$Volume{M-17}
$Log{
Anatomy of the Hip*0004401.scf
Osteoarthritis of the Hip*0004402.scf
Cemented Metal Hip Replacement*0004403.scf
Noncemented Porous Hip Replacement*0004404.scf}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


How Can They Replace the Hip Joint?


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QUESTION:  Getting about is more and more difficult because of a bad hip, and
now I am considering having the operation.  I don't understand what they will
do, or how they can replace the whole joint.  Can you explain, and do you
think it is a good idea for me to have the surgery?

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ANSWER:  The operation is called "total hip arthroplasty" and may be the path
by which you will regain your ability to get about with ease and, more
important, without pain.  The hip is a joint that joins the femur (thigh bone)
to the pelvic bone.  The head of the femur fits into a dish shaped cavity in
the pelvis called the acetabulum.  The operation consists in fitting a new
metal head to the femur, held in place with cement.  A new socket, made of
plastic with a metal backing, is inserted into the acetabulum and held with
screws, until bone can grow through the porous metal backing.  Obviously this
is a major surgical procedure, and one that only you can make a decision about
with the advice of your own surgeon.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.